Sunday, February 26, 2017

Classics: A Review of Stranger Things By Lauren Ennis

In a world dominated by political unrest, violence,
and economic upheaval it is all too tempting to yearn for the stability of a
simpler time. Through the mere passage of time eras passed seem to lose their
flaws as they take on the inviting glow of nostalgia. Capitalizing upon the
recent nostalgia for all things 1980’s the hit Netflix drama Stranger Things
serves as an apt tribute to the sci-fi and adventure films of the 1980’s, while
reminding us of the darker aspects of Cold War America that our nostalgia may
have failed to account for.

And you thought middle school was frightening

The story begins as an homage to the stereotypical 80’s
childhood with middle school sci-fi and fantasy fan Will Byers (Noah Schnapp)
playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas
(Caleb McLaughlin), and Dustin (Gaten Matarrazzo). In typical latchkey kid
fashion, the boys end the night by setting off for their respective homes alone
on their bikes. The plot then takes a turn into classic sci-fi territory as
Will is pursued by a mysterious unseen force until he finally vanishes,
seemingly into thin air. The disappearance sparks a town-wide man-hunt after
Will’s dedicated but harried mother, Joyce (Winona Ryder), enlists the aid of cynical
town sheriff Jim Hopper (David Harbour). While the case leaves the small
mid-western town of Hawkins, Indiana shaken as residents struggle for answers,
the matter is treated as a standard missing persons case. As Joyce, Hopper,
and Will’s friends experience increasingly bizarre paranormal encounters,
however, it becomes clear that Will’s disappearance is anything but standard,
and Hawkins is far more than the quiet town that it appears to be. Eventually,
the disappearance of a local teen, the mysterious activities at a top-secret government
lab, and the arrival of a truly strange little girl converge to expose a web of
corruption, espionage, and abuse that plunges viewers into the darkest corners
of Cold War America.

Through its loving tribute to 80’s pop culture and skeptical
approach to government that is equally applicable to the past and present Stranger Things reminds us of all that
we miss in our past while serving as an apt warning for the future. The
inclusion of government test subject Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) in particular
fuses these two elements to create a character who is equal parts familiar and
original. The efforts of Mike, Lucas, and Dustin to hide Eleven in Mike’s
basement in a disguise comprised of costume accessories
directly recall the adventures of Elliott and E.T. In the midst of her comic
adjustment to the outside world, however, the series never lets viewers forget
the disturbing events that led to her arrival in Hawkins. Similarly, the boys’ interactions
are directly reminiscent of both Stand By
Me and TheGoonies but still keep viewers engaged in their adventures. The
story arcs featuring Mike’s seemingly perfect sister, Nancy, and Will’s social
outcast older brother, Jonathan, also contain the genre tropes that catapulted
John Hughes’ teen dramedies to classic status, but use them to create a story that
is emotionally honest and timeless. While
remaining within the context of Cold War paranoia, the series’ portrayal of
anti-Soviet hysteria and citizens dismissed as collateral damage remains eerily
relevant in today’s fraught political atmosphere. Through its fond glimpse at
the past with a knowing nod to our own age, Stranger
Things tells a truly unique tale that will resonate in any era.

Welcome back, Winona

The out of this world plot would have remained
grounded if not for the inspired performances of its cast. In a stroke of
casting genius 1980’s and 1990’s indie ‘it girl’ Winona Ryder brings Joyce to
life in a performance that covers all the stages of loss without striking a
false note. David Harbour infuses his hardened sheriff with a charisma and
cynical charm that makes Hopper a suburban take on Indiana Jones. Natalia
Dyer is excellent in her role as good girl gone popular Nancy and
brings a mix of innocence and adolescent angst to her role that would make
Molly Ringwald proud. Charlie Heaton captures the awkwardness and kindness of
social outsider Jonathan, making him a perfect foil to his rival for Nancy’s
affections, charming but self-absorbed Steve. Even when surrounded by
outstanding performances by their adult counterparts, the series belongs to its
youngest cast members. Finn Wolfhard is a natural in his role as confident but
protective group leader Mike. Caleb McLaughlin captures Lucas’ obstinacy and
cynicism while still evoking the loyalty and kindness that he keeps carefully
guarded. Gaten Matarazzo’s performance as Dustin strikes the ideal balance
between comic and poignant as his character evolves from sidekick to the group’s
voice of reason. Millie Bobbie Brown nearly steals every scene in which she
appears as the enigmatic Eleven as she captures the role’s difficult
combination of childlike innocence and beyond her years maturity.

Through its equal parts 1980’s nostalgia and modern
insight Stranger Things relates an
eerie tale of a community coming together in the face of adversity that will
inspire viewers of any generation. The series’ combination of an intelligent
script, retro atmosphere, and a truly stellar cast ensures that it more than
earns its place as Netflix’s crown jewel. With laughter, romance, friendship,
family, as well as the thrills and chills of the best in adventure and
sci-fi, Stranger Things makes
nostalgia the new cutting edge.